Harbhajan Singh Slams Mumbai Indians Coaches: Mumbai Indians’ shocking exit from IPL 2025 has led to strong reactions, and one of the most talked-about voices is that of former India off-spinner Harbhajan Singh. After MI’s defeat to Punjab Kings in Qualifier 2, Harbhajan did not hold back as he criticised the team’s support staff, especially coaches Mahela Jayawardene and Lasith Malinga, for interfering too much in the game.
What Happened in the Match
Mumbai Indians had a good start in the match as they posted a strong total of 203/6 in 20 overs. Most fans believed this would be enough to book their spot in the final. But Punjab Kings had other plans. Led by a brilliant knock of 87 runs by Shreyas Iyer, PBKS chased down the target with five wickets in hand and one over to spare. It was the first time in IPL 2025 that MI failed to defend a 200+ total.
Too Many Instructions from Coaches
Harbhajan Singh pointed fingers at the MI coaching team for the defeat. He said that Mahela Jayawardene and Paras Mhambrey were shouting too much from the dugout, which put unnecessary pressure on captain Hardik Pandya and senior players like Jasprit Bumrah.
“Mahela Jayawardene was shouting, Paras Mhambrey was shouting. They were telling captain Hardik Pandya to bowl tall and short bowlers. Mahela has never won an IPL title as a player. I know he has been involved with some of the top teams but that doesn’t mean you start putting your captain under pressure,” Harbhajan Singh said.
“Jayawardene and Mhambrey were telling Hardik Pandya which bowler to use. They were too involved. You have to trust your captain and players. Rohit Sharma, Bumrah, and Hardik are experienced guys. They have won many trophies for MI and even the World Cup. Why are you not letting them play freely?” Harbhajan said on his YouTube channel.
Bumrah Asked Jayawardene to Stop
The tension between players and the coaching staff was already visible in the previous match against Gujarat Titans. Reports suggest that Jasprit Bumrah had to ask Jayawardene to stop giving too many suggestions during the game. Even in the Qualifier 2 match, Jayawardene was seen animatedly instructing from the boundary line. This, according to Harbhajan, was not a good sign.
Blaming the Coaches for Desperation
Harbhajan felt the coaching staff looked too desperate as MI started leaking runs during the Punjab innings. “Coaches should advise, not take over the game. Let the players figure things out. Showing desperation from outside breaks the spirit of the team,” he added.
He also said that the dressing room should be calm and composed in such high-pressure games. Too much hand-gesturing and instructions from the dugout only confuse the players on the field.
Hardik Was Forced to Bowl Topley
Harbhajan also revealed that Mahela Jayawardene forced Hardik Pandya to bring in Reece Topley to bowl during the match, and that move backfired. He added that this type of interference sends the wrong message and shows a lack of trust in the captain.
Jayawardene Responds
After the match, Mahela Jayawardene accepted that the team made a few mistakes. He pointed out that two dropped catches hurt MI’s chances but also praised PBKS for executing their chase perfectly.
“They were solid, especially chasing 200. It’s not easy. We made a few blunders, but that’s how the game goes,” Jayawardene said.
Faith in Big Players is Key
Harbhajan’s main message was simple – big players like Rohit Sharma, Hardik Pandya, and Jasprit Bumrah don’t need to be told every little thing during a match. They know how to handle tough situations and should be allowed to lead the team their way.
“These players have done so much for the franchise. Show them trust and let them express themselves. Coaching is about support, not control,” Harbhajan concluded.
Mumbai Indians’ dream of a sixth IPL title came to an end in Qualifier 2, but the bigger concern now is the unrest within the team. When legends like Harbhajan Singh speak out, it shows that there is a serious need for the management to reflect and reset. Trust between coaches and players is important, especially in crunch moments. As MI plans for the next season, the lessons from this year’s mistakes must not be ignored.
Also Read: Glenn Maxwell Retires from ODI Cricket to focus on T20s and World Cup 2026
FAQs
Why did Harbhajan Singh criticise MI coaches?
He felt they were interfering too much and putting pressure on senior players like Pandya and Bumrah.
What was the turning point in the match?
Shreyas Iyer’s 87-run knock helped Punjab Kings chase 204 and knock MI out of the tournament.
What did Jayawardene say after the loss?
He blamed a few fielding errors but praised PBKS for a good chase.
Did Bumrah respond to the coaches’ interference?
Reports suggest Bumrah asked Jayawardene to stop giving too many suggestions during matches.
Will MI make changes to the support staff next season?
There is no confirmation yet, but the issue has raised serious questions about internal harmony.
